Two things that normally don't go together are working in tandem for the A's these days: They keep winning games and they keep making errors.

They own the AL's best record at 13-5, yet have committed the most errors (20) and own the worst fielding percentage (.972) in the league.

"You can't continually play defense like this and get away with it," manager Bob Melvin stressed in his pregame news conference Sunday.

The A's proceeded to make two errors yet still completed a three-game sweep of Houston with a 4-1 victory. Third baseman Josh Donaldson committed the first miscue. He fielded George Springer's grounder, then lost control of the ball trying to make the throw.

Shortstop Jed Lowrie got charged with a tough error as he dropped Springer's high popup. Donaldson appeared to have called for the ball, but seemed to lose it in the sun.

The A's have committed at least one error in nine straight games and at least two errors in their past four.

So how have they won three of the past four and seven of the past nine?

"I don't know," Melvin said. "... We've probably been lucky."

Donaldson offered one explanation: "Our pitching has done a great job of picking us up."

Fuld to Minnesota: The Twins claimed outfielder Sam Fuld from the A's, who designated the Stanford alum for assignment April 12. Fuld went 6-for-30 for Oakland. He hit .199 in 176 at-bats for Tampa Bay last season.

Briefly: Barry Bonds was at the Coliseum for the second straight day, working with Houston outfielder Dexter Fowler. "He's a mentor to me," Fowler said of Bonds. The two began working together in the offseason, thanks to a connection with Glenallen Hill, who was one of Fowler's coaches with Colorado and one of Bonds' teammates with the Giants (1995-97). ... John Jaso cut down Jose Altuve trying to steal third in the first inning. It was the A's first caught stealing this season after 13 successful steals. Altuve and Fowler each stole second base in the seventh. ... Luke Gregerson worked a three-up, three-down ninth for his third save.

On deck

Monday

vs. Rangers

7:05 p.m. CSNCA

Darvish (1-0) vs. Straily (1-1)

Tuesday

vs. Rangers

7:05 p.m. CSN+

Martinez (0-0) vs. Milone (0-1)

Wednesday

vs. Rangers

12:35 p.m. CSNCA

Perez (3-0) vs. Gray (3-0)

Leading off

Céspedes departs: Yoenis Céspedes left Sunday's game against Houston after six innings because of a bruised right heel. He had gone 0-for-2 with a walk. Craig Gentry replaced him.